The Golden State Warriors: A Dangerous Playoff Team Even in 2025

As the NBA playoff race heats up, teams across the league are gearing up for what is expected to be another highly competitive postseason. Among the most feared teams remains the Golden State Warriors, a franchise that has dominated the league over the past decade. The Warriors’ potent combination of experience, championship pedigree, and the undeniable brilliance of Stephen Curry makes them a team that no one wants to face in a seven-game series. Recently, a former NBA All-Star shared his thoughts on why the Warriors continue to be a very dangerous team in the playoffs, and his comments underscore just how formidable this team remains, even as the years go on.

The Power of Experience and Championship Pedigree

In the NBA, experience is often one of the most valuable assets a team can have when it comes to the pressure-packed environment of the playoffs. The Golden State Warriors are one of the most experienced teams in the league, with a roster that has been through every possible scenario in postseason play.

Over the last decade, the Warriors have reached the NBA Finals multiple times, and the core of the team, led by Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, has won four championships (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022). This championship pedigree has molded a team that understands the nuances of postseason basketball—how to handle pressure, how to execute under intense scrutiny, and how to remain mentally sharp when everything is on the line.

As former NBA All-Star and commentator often point out, these experienced teams have an advantage when things get tight. It’s not just about talent; it’s about knowing how to win in high-pressure situations. The Warriors, with their mix of veteran leadership and deep playoff experience, are among the best at executing their game plan when it matters most.

The Unstoppable Force: Stephen Curry

While the Warriors are a well-rounded team, much of their postseason success can be attributed to one player—Stephen Curry. Often hailed as the greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry’s ability to take over a game with his scoring, shooting, and playmaking makes him an incredibly dangerous player in any playoff series.

Curry has revolutionized the game with his shooting range, pulling up from distances that were once considered unreasonable for any player, let alone a point guard. His quick release, coupled with his incredible off-the-dribble shooting ability, makes him nearly impossible to defend. And in the playoffs, where every possession is magnified, Curry’s ability to create scoring opportunities in a variety of ways becomes even more important.

Moreover, Curry is a player who thrives under the brightest lights. Throughout his career, he has delivered clutch performances in the postseason, including unforgettable moments such as his Game 4 performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2015 Finals and his 2019 Western Conference Finals Game 6 explosion against the Houston Rockets. Curry’s confidence in his shot, combined with his ability to handle the immense pressure of playoff basketball, makes him an unpredictable force that opponents struggle to contain.

What makes Curry even more dangerous is the Warriors’ ability to surround him with shooters who can space the floor, allowing him more room to operate. With players like Thompson, Jordan Poole, and now the emerging talents of Moses Moody, Curry has the freedom to work his magic, knowing that defenders can’t simply key in on him without risking wide-open looks from his teammates.

The Threat of Klay Thompson

For years, Klay Thompson has been the other half of the Warriors’ “Splash Brothers” duo alongside Curry. Known for his ability to score in bunches, Thompson is a lethal shooter who, when fully healthy, is one of the most dangerous players in the league. His ability to get hot quickly and change the momentum of a game in an instant makes him a constant threat in the postseason.

Thompson’s journey back from two major injuries (an Achilles tear and ACL injury) has been well-documented. But even after enduring those setbacks, Thompson has shown flashes of his old form. His playoff performances, particularly his shooting ability, have been integral to the Warriors’ success. When Thompson gets on a roll, the Warriors become an even more terrifying team to play against, as defenses can no longer focus solely on Curry.

It’s also important to note that Thompson’s defense is often underrated. While his offensive prowess is well-known, Thompson is also an excellent perimeter defender, capable of guarding multiple positions. His defensive contributions in key playoff series have been critical to the Warriors’ success in the past, and his ability to defend opposing shooters and playmakers makes him a versatile asset.

Draymond Green’s Defensive Impact

In addition to Curry and Thompson, Draymond Green plays an essential role in the Warriors’ playoff success. As one of the most versatile defenders in the NBA, Green’s ability to guard multiple positions and make his teammates better on both ends of the floor cannot be overstated. A former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Green is the anchor of the Warriors’ defense, often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player.

Green’s intelligence on the court, his ability to switch on screens, and his knack for creating turnovers make him one of the most disruptive forces in the NBA playoffs. Additionally, Green is a brilliant playmaker who has the ability to orchestrate the offense, especially in transition. His high basketball IQ and leadership on the floor allow the Warriors to stay organized defensively, even when they face difficult matchups.

What makes Green especially dangerous in the postseason is his ability to get under the skin of opponents. He is a fiery competitor who thrives on emotional intensity, and his trash-talking and physicality can sometimes throw opposing players off their game. His leadership and toughness in the postseason are key factors that have contributed to the Warriors’ championships in the past.

The Warriors’ Death Lineup and Small-Ball Strategy

One of the most defining characteristics of the Warriors’ dynasty is their “Death Lineup,” a small-ball unit that has taken the NBA by storm. This lineup, typically consisting of Curry, Thompson, Green, and two additional shooters, is designed to create offensive chaos through high-paced play, excellent ball movement, and deadly shooting.

The Warriors’ small-ball approach forces opposing teams to either match their speed or be overwhelmed by their shooting. Teams that try to go big often struggle against the Warriors’ floor spacing, as they are forced to defend multiple shooters at once. This approach gives the Warriors a unique advantage in the playoffs, especially against teams that don’t have the depth or the shooting ability to match them.

The Warriors are also known for their ball movement, which is a hallmark of their offensive system. They rank among the top teams in the league in assists, as their offense is predicated on constant motion, screens, and finding the open man. This style of play allows them to create easy scoring opportunities for everyone on the team, making them a nightmare to defend, particularly in a high-pressure playoff environment.

The Playoff X-Factors

In addition to the big three of Curry, Thompson, and Green, the Warriors have other players who can step up and be difference-makers in the playoffs. One such player is Jordan Poole, who has shown flashes of brilliance since his emergence as a key contributor. Poole has the ability to score in a variety of ways, including with his shooting and his ability to attack the rim. His confidence in big moments and his improved playmaking make him a dangerous weapon in a postseason series.

Other players, such as Kevon Looney, have proven themselves valuable in the playoffs. Looney’s rebounding and defensive presence in the paint have been pivotal in several of the Warriors’ postseason runs. His ability to battle for boards and provide second-chance opportunities has often been a crucial element in the Warriors’ success.

Even players like Moses Moody, who may not have as much playoff experience, can make an impact with their energy and hustle. The Warriors’ depth, combined with their ability to elevate their game in the postseason, makes them a tough matchup for any team.

 The Warriors Are a Dangerous Team in the Playoffs

As the 2025 NBA playoffs approach, the Golden State Warriors remain a very dangerous team to face. The combination of Curry’s brilliance, Thompson’s sharpshooting, Green’s defensive prowess, and the Warriors’ ability to play small-ball at an elite level makes them a potent playoff contender. Their experience, leadership, and depth ensure that they are a team that can go toe-to-toe with anyone, and their ability to execute under pressure makes them a team that should not be underestimated.

A former NBA All-Star has every reason to caution other teams about the Warriors’ potential. This is a team that knows how to win championships, and they are always dangerous when they enter the postseason with their full complement of talent. Whether they are coming in as underdogs or defending champions, the Warriors remain a formidable force in the NBA playoffs, and any team facing them in a seven-game series will need to bring their A-game to advance. The legacy of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green continues to be one of the most potent combinations in basketball, and with them leading the charge, the Warriors will always be a team to fear come playoff time.